"Had To Happen": Alexa Grasso On Her Fight With Manon Fiorot
Alexa Grasso shares a glimpse into her positive mindset and vision for the upcoming fight in UFC Noche 4 against Manon Fiorot
Mexican MMA sensation Alexa Grasso and France's treasured fighter Manon Fiorot are scheduled to face each other during Noche UFC. Although they have not previously competed against each other, the tension remains. Alexa held the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship until September 2024, before her loss to Valentina Shevchenko, and Manon has attempted her chance for the title in 2025.
Now, with the title vacant after Shevchenko's injury, the fight between these two has become even more critical. Alexa shared her opinions and attitude towards the fight amidst this high-pressure environment.
Alexa Grasso Remarks On Inevitability of Fiorot Fight
Former UFC Women's Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso wants the audience to know that she is looking forward to getting into the ring with the No. 6 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings holder, Manon Fiorot.
Grasso (17-5-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC) takes on ex-title challenger Fiorot (13-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) on Saturday's Noche UFC in Glendale, AZ.
"I think it's a fight that has to be," Grasso said via UFC News.
“This fight had to happen.”
— UFC News (@UFCNews) September 10, 2026
Alexa Grasso (@AlexaGrasso) always relishes the chance to fight at #NocheUFC and understands the moment at hand when she faces Manon Fiorot on September 12.
Fight by Fight Preview ➡️: https://t.co/4nEytl1ys8 pic.twitter.com/4Hixxhhuii
She pointed out that she and Fiorot are not only No. 3 and No. 2 UFC Women's Flyweight contenders, but both of them have fought and are willing to fight again for the Title belt. Therefore, this Face-Off was inevitable.
Alexa admits that she indeed loves challenges, and this fight is no exception. She said Fiorot is a great fighter and a tough opponent. Moreover, she has expressed her desire for a fourth showdown against Shevchenko to conclude their trilogy on a high note. But her mentality is focused on performing well on Saturday rather than reaching any conclusions beforehand.
However, Grasso found herself in a position where she desperately needed a win not long ago. This was during the fight with Maycee Barber in March after losing two in a row to Shevchenko and Silva.
She not only took the victory crown home but pulled off one of the most spectacular finishes in 2026. This marked her return to the octagon after recovering from injuries. Amidst all of this, her attitude has remained focused on how these challenges help her grow.
Alexa Grasso Speaks About Overcoming Losses and Staying Dangerous
Alexa Grasso is devoted to her resilience, especially in the octagon. The former flyweight champion reflected on her previous losses to Shevchenko and Silva and stated that because of her then-ongoing recovery from her foot injury, she could not do multiple things that she might have otherwise attempted.
Despite that, Grasso refuses to let her morale down. She admits that, however adverse the situation is, she remains present, refusing to give up.
“I always put on a fight. I'm always dangerous,” she told MMA Junkie.
Her tenacious nature regarding her sport has been the constant force behind her resilience in the ring. She confirmed that she loves to wake up every single day to do what she has to do because she genuinely loves her job.
It's nonetheless thrilling as well as reassuring for the fans to see the fighter await such a high-stakes fight with such mental clarity and optimism.
